The rainy season is often hard for people who work outdoors. While some are able to stop working when it’s raining, others will only stop if there are violent storms. Working when it’s wet outside comes with considerable hazards.
It’s up to employers to ensure that their workers have what they need to work safely if they’re expected to be out in the rain. This includes routine safety protocol training and personal protective equipment that helps them to avoid hazards.
What issues may occur for workers in the rain?
Slick surfaces are a primary hazard for workers in the rain. Wearing slip-resistant shoes can help to minimize the risk. These should also be waterproof to help keep the person’s feet from getting wet. Working with certain tools might be dangerous because they use electricity or because they’re too slippery to hold safely.
Poor visibility is another hazard in the rain. This comes from the effect of the rain, but it is compounded by the rain gear that’s likely necessary. Raincoats that have hoods can narrow the person’s vision range. Eyeglasses or goggles can also make it harder to see. A worker may need to turn their head to be able to see everything around them. Workers should also wear clothing, such as reflective vests, that make it easy for others to spot them.
Workers who have to do their job duties in the rain can suffer from a host of work-related injuries and illnesses. While obtaining workers’ compensation benefits for these kinds of injuries should be a fairly simple process, that’s not always how it works. If you’ve been injured on the job and workers’ comp isn’t doing what it should, it may be time to seek more experienced assistance.
